Note: at the time of this writing (January 2009-10-11-12-13-14...), the Bowne House Museum is closed for restoration. Check back for updates, or visit the Museum's official website, linked above. Note that restoration definitely is underway.

Built by John Bowne in 1661, Bowne House is considered to be one of the finest examples of vernacular Dutch-English architecture in the country. Throughout the following century a few changes and additions were made, but since 1830 only plumbing and electrification have changed the structure.

The house stands much today as it had in those early times, with an impressive collection of indigenous furniture and pewterware.

This structure is one of the oldest in the United States and is also the site of Bowne's defense of liberty of conscience (freedom of religion) in defiance of Governor Peter Stuyvesant's ban on the Quaker sect.

An educational tour of Bowne House will be enjoyed by families and groups, and a 90-minute School Program is available for most grade levels. The program first orients students to the 17th century, exploring concepts of commerce, social interaction, and colonial life. Students then tour the 17th century portion of the house.

Bowne House is just one of several historic places of interest along the Flushing Freedom Trail. Call for info about other places and tours.